A federal judge on Thursday (Oct. 9) dismissed Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” ruling that a “war of words” during a “heated rap battle” did not violate the law.

Drake’s case, filed earlier this year, claimed that UMG defamed him by releasing Lamar’s scathing diss track, which tarred his arch-rival as a “certified pedophile.” He believed that millions of people took that lyric literally, severely harming his reputation.

But just ten months later, Judge Jeannette Vargas granted UMG’s motion to dismiss the case at the outset – ruling that Kendrick’s insulting lyrics were the kind of “hyperbole” that cannot be defamatory because listeners would not think they were statements of fact.

“The artists’ seven-track rap battle was a ‘war of words’ that was the subject of substantial media scrutiny and online discourse,” the judge wrote. “Although the accusation that plaintiff is a pedophile is certainly a serious one, the broader context of a heated rap battle, with incendiary language and offensive accusations hurled by both participants, would not incline the reasonable listener to believe that ‘Not Like Us’ imparts verifiable facts about plaintiff.”

The ruling marks an abrupt end to a legal battle that stunned the music industry. Few expected a rapper to respond to a diss track with a lawsuit – a move that drew ridicule in the hip hop world and condemnation from legal scholars. Fewer still expected him to file it against UMG, his longtime record label and the biggest music company in the world.

Drake’s attorneys can appeal the ruling to a federal appeals court. His attorneys did not immediately return a request for comment. A spokesman for UMG also did not immediately return a request for comment.

Lamar released “Not Like Us” last May amid a war-of-words with Drake that saw the two UMG stars release a series of bruising diss tracks. The song, a knockout punch that blasted Drake as a “certified pedophile” over an infectious beat, became a chart-topping hit in its own right and won five Grammy Awards, including record and song of the year.

In January, Drake took the unusual step of taking UMG to court, claiming his own label had defamed him by boosting the track’s popularity, including through the use of bots and other nefarious marketing tactics. The lawsuit, which didn’t name Lamar himself as a defendant, alleges that UMG “waged a campaign” against its own artist to spread a “malicious narrative” about pedophilia that it knew to be false.

UMG argued those allegations were clearly meritless – that “hyperbolic insults” and “vitriolic allegations” are par for the course in diss tracks and cannot form the basis for a libel lawsuit. The company pointedly noted that Drake himself was happy to make such attacks, including accusing Lamar of domestic abuse, until he lost the battle.

The dispute got even nastier in February, when Lamar made “Not Like Us” the centerpiece of his Super Bowl halftime show. After speculation about whether he’d play the track at all, Kendrick used the show to mock his rival, looking directly into camera as he rapped “Say, Drake, I hear you like ’em young.”

This is a developing news story and will be updated with more details as they become available.

Janet Jackson will receive the 2025 ICON of the Year Award at The Gala of the Stars, an annual benefit supporting Dancers Against Cancer. The gala will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. 

The award “recognizes Jackson’s unmatched influence on music, dance and culture, as well as her continued advocacy for compassion, empowerment and artistic excellence,” according to a statement. 

Jackson has long incorporated dance and movement into her work. Eleven of her music videos have been nominated for best choreography in a video at the MTV Video Music Awards.

The award will be presented in person by Oscar, Emmy and Tony winner Liza Minnelli, another performer who is strongly associated with dance. Minnelli is a longtime family friend. She was especially close to Janet’s late brother Michael Jackson.

Dancer, choreographer and instructor Maksim Chmerkovskiy, best known for his long run as a pro partner on Dancing With the Stars, will host the black-tie event.

“Janet Jackson represents everything this award stands for — strength, innovation, compassion and an unwavering commitment to artistic integrity,” Adrian Ruiz, president of the Gala of the Stars and Dancers Against Cancer, said in a statement. “Her influence transcends generations. Honoring her at this year’s gala not only celebrates her legacy, but also her enduring impact on the dance community and the power of using art for good.”

Founded in 2012, Dancers Against Cancer is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance, emotional support and community connection to dancers, teachers and choreographers affected by cancer.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Gifting is hard, especially for your loved ones. There’s always so much pressure to snag that perfect piece for the special someone in your life that strikes a balance between sentiment and affordability. While we can’t all be as extravagant as Travis Kelce’s reported 35 bouquets of flowers gifted to his boo, Taylor Swift, or as interesting as Benny Blanco’s bathtub filled with nacho cheese for Selena Gomez, we can still make gifting choices that will, at the very least, make that special someone smile.

To help you along your gifting journey, we at ShopBillboard have compiled a list of products to shop for your girlfriend, although these gifts are great for just about anyone, and we’re hoping you’ll get inspired at the very least. Keep reading to shop our favorite picks from top brands such as Baggu, Jellycat, FP Movement, Ouai and Beats, among a slew of others.

If you don’t know Damson Madder, you’re truly missing out. The London-based brand’s bread and butter isn’t really PJs, and yet they make some damn good ones. This Antonella style currently retails for $155 and comes in a trending polka-dotted print with sweet red trim. Bow accents close out the set, giving it that sweet Danish-girl touch the brand is best known for. Sizing currently ranges from 2 to 8 on Anthropology’s website. If this polka-dotted style isn’t your thing, there are a ton of other Damson PJs to choose from.

What’s more iconic than an Adidas track jacket? This piece is for the fashionable girl in your life. This statement-maker retails for $80 and comes in a bold, bright red Firebird colorway accompanied by contrasting white accents that make the jacket look multi-dimensional. Long sleeves give way to a zip-up closure on the front and a mock neckline. Loungewear like this is a great gift to give because it strikes a good balance between comfort and style.

Jellycats are so popular in fact that they launched their own Amazon storefront. Their little faces and plushie texture are a fan-favorite for adults and kids alike. This little coffee to-go cup bag charm is a coffee lover’s dream, and it doubles as a bag charm, so it’s great for sprucing up any old totes or carry-ons. Decorative and cute. What could be better than that?

If your girlfriend or partner is obsessed with beauty, then these eye masks will be a hit. Retailing for $29.95, these gilded eye masks from Grace & Stella are not only fancy, but they work, too. The pack of 48 masks is formulated with niacinamide that works to brighten and hydrate the thin skin of your under eyes, improving the overall complexion for a more awake look. If you haven’t slept your allotted seven hours, these will make you look like you did and then some. Pro tip: Pop these masks in the fridge and put them on cold for a de-puffing effect.

This LEGO Botanicals Japanese Red Maple Bonsai Tree is better than a bouquet because it won’t die after a week. Retailing for $59.95, this interactive building kit comes with a red and amber-colored bonsai tree with detailed bark bricks, smooth decorative elements and a buildable pot for display. Work solo or with your partner to build the blossoming tree for a relaxing date night at home.

This Dimmable Flower Candle Warmer Lamp is a functional decorative lamp that works similarly to a wax melter, except it’s more aesthetically pleasing. Retailing for $27.99, this floral-inspired piece uses heat to melt the candle and wax from top to bottom without lighting the wick. This means the candle will melt evenly, making the fragrance last twice as long as your traditional burning candles. The lamp itself is fixed with a wooden base with a metal body and a glass lampshade made to look like a lotus flower. If the green hue isn’t your thing, Walmart has the same silhouette in gold, pink and purple. Walmart also has an alternative lampshade shaped like a tulip.

Organization doesn’t have to be boring, and Baggu has proven that. The brand’s Flat Pouch Set retails for $36 and comes with three bags in varying sizes and whimsical prints. The three-pack is great for travel, but can also be used to organize your daily tote or work bag. You can store everything from makeup products, chargers, change and even medicine in these pouches. While we think the Night Orchard color scheme is great, the Sea Creature and Get Ready With Me colorways are just as cute, too.

The best thing you could give your significant other is comfort. This FP Movement Victory set is the epitome of just that. Retailing for $148, this two-piece comes with an oversized pullover and coordinating high-rise slim-fit biker shorts. While this set looks great together, the pieces can also be worn separately to create even more versatile looks. The pullover is just as slouchy and cozy as a blanket, while the biker shorts are made of stretchy and breathable fabric that allows for effortless movement, no matter where the day may take you. From a yoga sesh to lounging on the couch, this set will get you through.

Got a partner who’s skincare obsessed? This Fruit Babies Skincare Kit from Glow Recipe has all your skincare must-haves in one place. You’ve got five products: Glow Recipe’s Ceramide Facial Cleanser, BHA Toner, Vitamin C Eye Cream, Hyaluronic Acid Cream and Niacinamide Dew Drops, all for $42. Each step of your routine is covered, from your cleanser to your toner and even moisturizer. Five products for the price of one? Sign us up.

Who doesn’t like to be organized? This daily planner from Urban Outfitters brings cuteness to the mundane, making your days a bit brighter. It’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with 380 pages to keep your to-do lists and yourself in check. The cover is made of a linen fabric printed with a tiled cottagecore-esque design. Each page can be bookmarked with a little ribbon strip, helping you keep your place. While we like the Porto Tile colorway, this planner comes in more than 11 other variations.

Feeling and smelling your best go hand in hand. Ouai Mini St. Bart’s Body Set comes with three Ouai products for $35: St. Barts Body Crème, St. Barts Body Cleanser and St. Barts Hair & Body Mist. The cream nourishes the skin, the body cleanser helps wash away dirt and grime, and the mist offers a dragon fruit, orange, musk and tuberose scent to the hair and body. In short, this set will make you feel like you’re on vacation.

Lip liner is always the first to go after eating, drinking or just being. Sacheu has got the girlies covered. The brand’s trending peel-off liner leaves a stain that doesn’t budge even after your lip products have all faded away. Utilized by the likes of Billie Eilish, the stain is applied wet and lifts once dry, so the user can peel off the residue, leaving a stain behind. This three-pack is perfect for the curious makeup lover looking to try the stain without breaking the bank on three single shades.

Love ’em or hate ’em, barrel jeans are here to stay. While the silhouette can be tricky to style, these from Lee are an approachable wash and composition. Like a diet barrel jean, the silhouette is less bulbous, offering a baggy feel without looking misshapen. The dark wash also grounds the style, creating a versatility that other barrel jeans lack because of the head-turning silhouette. We’d style these with a cozy cardigan and sneakers or ballet flats. For a more formal look for the office or date night, slingbacks and a blouse should do the trick.

There’s nothing better than making your space smell good. If your partner likes to get cozy at home, then this diffuser can help make the experience a 10 out of 10. Retailing for $20, this decorative diffuser from Target is round with an iridescent design. The diffuser runs for up to five hours and utilizes ultrasonic vibration humidification with simultaneous misting that diffuses scents evenly into the open air. To make this gift even sweeter, we’d recommend buying a few fancy fragrance oils to go with it.

These Lululemon Restfeel Slides will have your partner feel like they’re walking on air. Retailing for $49, the footwear is designed for those casual days at home, and is crafted of cushy foam with a dual-density midsole that balances comfort and function. The straps are equally plush, keeping the slides in place. Finally, the rubber outsoles offer the style a non-slip feel. If the Lavender Frost hue isn’t your favorite, the Restfeel silhouette comes in two pastel variations we’re sure your girlfriend will love.

If your girlfriend is a coffee lover and an espresso machine isn’t in your budget, a French Press is truly the next best thing. Retailing for $15.68, this stainless steel offering is heat-resistant, durable and, most important, easy to clean. Don’t know how a French Press works? You steep coarse-ground coffee in hot water, much like tea. You then separate the grounds from your freshly brewed coffee using a mesh filter attached to a plunger. The plunging action separates the grounds from your brew, leaving you with a damn good cup of coffee.

Give the gift of quality music with these Beats Solo 4 Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones. Retailing for $99.99, this model comes equipped with custom acoustic architecture and updated drivers for crisp and clear sound every time. You’ve also got 50 hours of battery life, so you’ll never be without your tunes. Beyond their impeccable sound quality, these headphones are also lightweight and comfortable on the head. If all that wasn’t enough, these headphones come in a range of alluring colors, although Cloud Pink is our favorite.

Picking out a fragrance, especially for someone else, can be rather tricky. Boy Smells is illuminating that problem with help from its Mist Me With That Trio. Retailing for $64, the bundle comes with three spritzers: Fruity Lips, Cream Dream and Lycheelicious, which are scented with florals and fruit, giving buyers the option to mix and match their scents to create their very own long-lasting fragrance.

Comfort has never looked so good. Etsy currently has a waffle-textured robe that you can get customized and monogrammed for that special someone for just $31.49. You have the option to choose the color — there are 11 colors in total — and the placement of your embroidery. The waffle texture provides the robe both breathability and absorbency post-shower.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Fresh off the heels of hosting the Primetime Emmy Awards and breaking records for sold out arena shows, comedian Nate Bargatze is on the road for the rest of 2025 and well into 2026 for his “Big Dumb Eyes” tour. In fact, dates go until Saturday (Aug. 15, 2026) at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada, while his last tour date in the United States will take place the day prior (Aug. 14, 2026) at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

Tickets to the tour first went on sale through Ticketmaster, while the retailer’s Face Value Exchange program is an option for fans to resell tickets.

Since many of the dates have either sold out or are very close to selling out, one of the best ways to find Nate Bargatze tickets online is through third-party sites, including StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and others — all of which guarantee authentic tickets in time for the event.

In addition, tickets are all delivered digitally, so you can get them sent instantly to your smartphone or email. Prices may also be above or below face value at times.

Where to Find Nate Bargatze’s ‘Big Dumb Eyes’ Tour Tickets Online

Looking for cheap seats to see Nate Bargatze live? Here’s where to find tickets still available and on sale online.

StubHub has Nate Bargatze tickets available. StubHub’s Fan Protect Guarantee ensures valid tickets or your money back. And if your event is canceled and not rescheduled, you’ll receive 120% in credit or be given the option of a full refund.

You can also find Nate Bargatze tickets online at Vivid Seats, which lets you search by price, location and “Super Sellers,” which denotes reputable sellers with the best deals on tickets.

Vivid Seats is great for group tickets: the site has a rewards program that gives you your eleventh ticket free (in the form of a credit) after you buy 10 tickets online. And as a bonus, you can use our exclusive promo code BB30 to take $30 off your purchase at VividSeats.com.

One of the lowest prices we’re seeing for Nate Bargatze tickets is at SeatGeek, which has stubs from $50 and up. Use our discount code BILLBOARD10 to save an additional $10 at checkout.

TicketNetwork has tickets to Nate Bargatze’s concerts with all-in pricing that lets you see exactly what you’ll pay up front (fees included). For a limited time, you can use our exclusive code BILLBOARD150 to save $150 off $500 or BILLBOARD300 to save $300 off orders of $1000 and up.

Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.